There Ain't A Winner In The Game, He Don't Go Home With All

When we lived in the US and A, being from San Diego, we were Charger fans. Rick was always a supporter of the Cowboys, maybe now it's San Francisco or Seattle. As a contrary brother, Barry is a big Green Bay fan. But without Farve, is he still wearing green and yellow and sporting the Swiss cheese hat?

The point is, that in USA! USA!, there are something like 28 pro football teams and the people tend to support their regional squad or a team they grew up with.

Folks will spend lots of money on team products. Bronco lovers all go around during the season wearing stupid orange and blue clothing, often the jersey of their favorite player, or even retired guys, like John Elway. In Pittsburgh, entire rooms are decorated in yellow and black.

But there is really no American National Team, no matter what Dallas thinks. The Super Bowl only defines the best team of the year and it always changes. Most people watch the big game for the interesting ads or maybe to see a exposed nipple during halftime.

We don't have NFL football here. During the season, we get maybe one game a week on ESPN. They call it Gridiron. Interestingly, I thought I would miss the 6+ game per week addiction, but it has been cold turkey and quite simple. It don't always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.

On SKY TV, we get PLENTY of cricket, an impossible game 10 times worse than baseball. It could go on for days without anything happening...Quite puzzling. There is also golf and yachting.

But the real New Zealand sport is rugby. And there is really only one team...The All Blacks. All 4 million people here are fanatics. During the year, most Kiwis dress in black almost subconsciously. There are posters, calendars, clothing and talk, ad nauseum.

We have become part of the problem.

Between the two of us, Kimberly is a bigger follower. I think it has something to do with the body builds of the players...or their rugged good looks...or the short, short pants...or the extreme body contact...or the pace of play.

Whatever the motivation, both of us are getting ready for the World Rugby Cup from France. This happens every 4 years and are like the Olympics of rugby. First game is September 8th. The All Blacks are always the favorites, but they have not won in 20 years.

Very frustrating.

It seems like this could be our year. Very exciting. The French hosts have a team, known as the Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys, but they have adopted The All Blacks as their second favorite.

New Zealand is the Jerry Lewis of rugby.

If you have not watched the game played, see if you can find it on a sports channel. The rules are confusing until after witnessing a few matches. All the terms are different. They call a touchdown a try. No forward passes, only laterals. No time outs, no pads. Quite a bit of blood and they don't stop for it. Some penalties allow the innocent team to kick a field goal. That sort of stuff.

Give a look if you can...even if only to see the Haka. Unless, of course, The Falcons are playing Cleveland on the other channel.